India batsman Hanuma Vihari has explained how the conditions in England are challenging. The right-handed batsman in a chat with ESPN Cricinfo further told how shot selection is really important in such conditions.
“In England you have to be really certain with your shot selection. In India, you can get away with a push, or even if it is not there to drive, you can still get away driving on the up. If I were to play that ball a second time, I would try to play as late as possible,” Vihari said.
Vihari made his County debut while playing for Warwickshire. Talking about his innings against Essex, the right-handed batsman admitted that he didn’t really capitalise on the starts that he got.
“It was just my first innings in county cricket. I learned that I should play much later. In the second match, against Essex, I got 30 and 50. Essex are the defending champions and have a decent bowling attack with Peter Siddle and Simon Harmer. I thought I batted well, but I should have converted it into a bigger score,” he added.
Talking about the conditions, Vihari said that the ball moves all day when it is overcast making it difficult for the batsman.
“The overhead conditions play a part as well because when it is sunny, it gets a bit easier to bat, but when it is overcast, the ball moves all day,” he said.
Vihari is a part of the Indian squad that will play the final of the inaugural World Test Championship against New Zealand in Southampton scheduled to begin on June 18 and the five-match series against England in August.